“The single most economic and productive action which could be taken to improve K-12 education is to provide each student with an interactive 8″ x 11” tablet PC, together with subject material in digital interactive, color, and animated form instead of paper, books, and similar learning materials. A tablet PC soon will cost less than $100—making it less expensive than present learning tools. We’re in an electronic world that is rapidly expanding—[and] K-12 school systems must get with it to keep up with others.” —Stan Doore, former adjunct lecturer (Information Systems), American University
Article: Chicago Public School Launches iPad Trials
The Following is some feed back I received from schools currently using iPads in the classrooms.
JB Ober Elementary, Garrett Indiana
·Are your classrooms inquiry based for content curriculum? If not, describe the teaching style. Our science and social studies content is integrated into our reading and writing workshop. These subjects are often taught within these frameworks and also using an inquiry based approach. We are a K-4 building so we believe it is essential to infuse these content area subjects into our reading and writing work with children.
·What percent of the day do students use the iPad? Approximately 30-50% right now - depending on the classroom - some more, some less, depending on unit of study.
·What type of training did staff have for the iPad? In-house support with our iPad integration specialist. This training is mainly job-embedded.
·Did teachers have this training ahead of time or was it learning along with the students? Last year we had iPads for grades 3 and 4 - all training was hands-on, right with the kids. This year, as we moved to full 1:1 K-4, we have utilized a staff member to serve as the integration specialist. Her role is to visit classrooms and work with teachers to integrate technology. Teachers did have the iPads for the summer to begin to "play" with it, but no formal training was held specifically for iPads.
·What have been the positives and negatives of adding the iPad into the elementary classroom? Positives: Student engagement!, increased interest in responding to reading with the use of wikis, kids are eager to practice new skills, using less paper because some papers teachers would normally copy are now scanned and then emailed back to the teacher.
·Does each student have an iPad to use or do students share them? Each student has their own. We are a K-4 building with over 600 children.
·What is your school policy on taking them home?Are parents/students responsible for replacement costs if broken by means other than normal wear? We have not had the students take them home yet - that will come:) We do have a Respectable Use Policy that is signed by parents. Damage that is intentional is charged to the parent.
·What other types of technology are available to students in a typical classroom other than the iPad? We had classroom responders, but those are no longer needed with the iPad. We really don't have other technology for the children in the roos.
·Have you noticed an increase in student involvement in the classroom? Yes, Yes, Yes!
·How has the technology impacted your student achievement? We have only had full implementation for 11 weeks so it is too early to tell.
Stonewall Elementary, Fayette Kentucky
Are your classrooms inquiry based for content curriculum? If not, describe the teaching style.
Yes our classroom is inquiry based.
We typically have a unifying theme which integrates our technology, reading, writing, listening and speaking/presenting. Students will research independently and create a product or products related to our theme.
What percent of the day do students use the iPad?
Varies -60% to 70% of our core content time (Technology has been a big part of my classroom since 1997. Ipads have made technology easier to manage, integrate and extend.)
What type of training did staff have for the iPad?
No formal training. I visited a local Apple store for some basic info. Using the ipad and the apps has been the best way to learn along with utilizing the internet for info about various apps.
Did teachers have this training ahead of time or was it learning along with the students?
Learning continues to occur daily right alongside the children
What have been the positives and negatives of adding the iPad into the elementary classroom?
Positives:
Ipads Meet needs of visual, auditory and tactile learners (the touch technology is engaging and so easy to use for all levels of learners)
Productivity apps allow for student choice on how to present projects or just to share daily learning/core content
Many apps reinforces reading/spelling/language/science/geography/math skills and practice independently or with others
Negatives:
Updating, maintaining, researching apps and updates is very time consuming (well worth the time but it requires a strong commitment to really keep ipads up to date along with locating/adding apps which meet core content needs)
Apple Volume purchase voucher—real pain to establish plus many apps are not available in the volume purchase site
Apple makes the sell but does not follow up with tech support to users
Does each student have an iPad to use or do students share them?
Last year, beginning in February, my class had 21 students to 17 ipads.
This year due to some changes in class sizes, every child has an ipad –1-1 has wonderful not to have to schedule and alternate ipad time
What other types of technology are available to students in a typical classroom other than the iPad?
My classroom has 5 desktop computers, a projector and document camera.
6 flip video cameras (These are available for checkout from the computer lab. I received some for my classroom from participating in an online digital storytelling project)
Have you noticed an increase in student involvement in the classroom?
Yes from all students
Students are engaged and motivated to utilize the touch technology for all content areas.
How has the technology impacted your student achievement?
Last year we received our ipads in February. Student achievement was definitely impacted in reading, math and written expression for all my students—gifted, identified special needs (a child with autism, a child with several severe emotional and behavioral needs and a child with severe ADHD and impulsivity) as well as my below grade level performers made gains for the last half of the year.
Crestview Elementary- West Des Moines
Are your classrooms inquiry based for content curriculum? If not, describe the teaching style. We are almost entirely inquiry based for Science. In social studies we become less inquiry based as we move from K to 6. A better description would be we use a curriculum that is aligned with the CORE. We use a variety of strategies to attempt to keep kids engaged. Some work better than others.
What percent of the day do students use the iPad?
We use iPads for every piece of instruction. Again some use it more effectively than others. In most classrooms when you walk in at any time the iPad is in use.
What type of training did staff have for the iPad?
When we began using them we did basic trainings of anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. The training was based on the questions staff had. From those training we understood what training should look like. We shared that with the district and now they do the training. Our goal is to have each teacher responsible for everything about their iPads.
Did teachers have this training ahead of time or was it learning along with the students?
Adults learning a little ahead and sometimes a little behind the students. Outside of some basic management issues, it is all about matching the right apps at the right time.
What have been the positives and negatives of adding the iPad into the elementary classroom?
The negative is we need more. The positive is student engagement.
Does each student have an iPad to use or do students share them?
We share and the sharing is one of the big strengths. Students learn from each other. I do not foresee Crestview ever being 1 on 1.
What is your school policy on taking them home? Are parents/students responsible for replacement costs if broken by means other than normal wear?
We have not yet addressed this.
What other types of technology are available to students in a typical classroom other than the iPad?
Computers , lap tops, most everything.
Have you noticed an increase in student involvement in the classroom?
We have not isolated iPads as to how they impact achievement.
How has the technology impacted your student achievement?
by Jamie McKenzie in The Education Technology Journal, Nov. 2011 issue
KCCI news story - West Des Moines, Crestview Elementary in Clive (I have contacted an instructor and principal here and am awaiting a reply)
NING site - iPads in Education (click to join the Ning and follow the conversations)
Wiki - iPad Professional Development (use alone or as group PD)
Article: THE Journal: Teacher Training should start before iPad Deployment
Getting Started with iPads - website with ALL things iPad!
39 Sites for using iPads in the classroom - website
“The single most economic and productive action which could be taken to improve K-12 education is to provide each student with an interactive 8″ x 11” tablet PC, together with subject material in digital interactive, color, and animated form instead of paper, books, and similar learning materials. A tablet PC soon will cost less than $100—making it less expensive than present learning tools. We’re in an electronic world that is rapidly expanding—[and] K-12 school systems must get with it to keep up with others.” —Stan Doore, former adjunct lecturer (Information Systems), American University
Article: Chicago Public School Launches iPad Trials
http://www.convergemag.com/classtech/CPS-iPad-trial.html
Article: The Impact of the iPad on K-12 Schools
http://www.convergemag.com/classtech/Impact-iPad-K12-Schools.html
Article: From Crayons to iPads: Younger and Younger Students are Taking Advantage of Technology
http://www.macon.com/2011/05/03/1546690/from-crayons-to-ipads-younger.htmlThe Following is some feed back I received from schools currently using iPads in the classrooms.
JB Ober Elementary, Garrett Indiana
·Are your classrooms inquiry based for content curriculum? If not, describe the teaching style. Our science and social studies content is integrated into our reading and writing workshop. These subjects are often taught within these frameworks and also using an inquiry based approach. We are a K-4 building so we believe it is essential to infuse these content area subjects into our reading and writing work with children.
·What percent of the day do students use the iPad? Approximately 30-50% right now - depending on the classroom - some more, some less, depending on unit of study.
·What type of training did staff have for the iPad? In-house support with our iPad integration specialist. This training is mainly job-embedded.
·Did teachers have this training ahead of time or was it learning along with the students? Last year we had iPads for grades 3 and 4 - all training was hands-on, right with the kids. This year, as we moved to full 1:1 K-4, we have utilized a staff member to serve as the integration specialist. Her role is to visit classrooms and work with teachers to integrate technology. Teachers did have the iPads for the summer to begin to "play" with it, but no formal training was held specifically for iPads.
·What have been the positives and negatives of adding the iPad into the elementary classroom? Positives: Student engagement!, increased interest in responding to reading with the use of wikis, kids are eager to practice new skills, using less paper because some papers teachers would normally copy are now scanned and then emailed back to the teacher.
·Does each student have an iPad to use or do students share them? Each student has their own. We are a K-4 building with over 600 children.
·What is your school policy on taking them home?Are parents/students responsible for replacement costs if broken by means other than normal wear? We have not had the students take them home yet - that will come:) We do have a Respectable Use Policy that is signed by parents. Damage that is intentional is charged to the parent.
·What other types of technology are available to students in a typical classroom other than the iPad? We had classroom responders, but those are no longer needed with the iPad. We really don't have other technology for the children in the roos.
·Have you noticed an increase in student involvement in the classroom? Yes, Yes, Yes!
·How has the technology impacted your student achievement? We have only had full implementation for 11 weeks so it is too early to tell.Stonewall Elementary, Fayette Kentucky
Are your classrooms inquiry based for content curriculum? If not, describe the teaching style.
Yes our classroom is inquiry based.
We typically have a unifying theme which integrates our technology, reading, writing, listening and speaking/presenting. Students will research independently and create a product or products related to our theme.
What percent of the day do students use the iPad?
Varies -60% to 70% of our core content time (Technology has been a big part of my classroom since 1997. Ipads have made technology easier to manage, integrate and extend.)
What type of training did staff have for the iPad?
Did teachers have this training ahead of time or was it learning along with the students?No formal training. I visited a local Apple store for some basic info. Using the ipad and the apps has been the best way to learn along with utilizing the internet for info about various apps.
What have been the positives and negatives of adding the iPad into the elementary classroom?
Positives:
Ipads Meet needs of visual, auditory and tactile learners (the touch technology is engaging and so easy to use for all levels of learners)
Negatives:
- Apple Volume purchase voucher—real pain to establish plus many apps are not available in the volume purchase site
- Apple makes the sell but does not follow up with tech support to users
Does each student have an iPad to use or do students share them?Updating, maintaining, researching apps and updates is very time consuming (well worth the time but it requires a strong commitment to really keep ipads up to date along with locating/adding apps which meet core content needs)
What other types of technology are available to students in a typical classroom other than the iPad?Last year, beginning in February, my class had 21 students to 17 ipads.
This year due to some changes in class sizes, every child has an ipad –1-1 has wonderful not to have to schedule and alternate ipad time
My classroom has 5 desktop computers, a projector and document camera.
6 flip video cameras (These are available for checkout from the computer lab. I received some for my classroom from participating in an online digital storytelling project)
Have you noticed an increase in student involvement in the classroom?
Yes from all students
Students are engaged and motivated to utilize the touch technology for all content areas.
How has the technology impacted your student achievement?
Last year we received our ipads in February. Student achievement was definitely impacted in reading, math and written expression for all my students—gifted, identified special needs (a child with autism, a child with several severe emotional and behavioral needs and a child with severe ADHD and impulsivity) as well as my below grade level performers made gains for the last half of the year.
Crestview Elementary- West Des Moines
Are your classrooms inquiry based for content curriculum? If not, describe the teaching style.We are almost entirely inquiry based for Science. In social studies we become less inquiry based as we move from K to 6. A better description would be we use a curriculum that is aligned with the CORE. We use a variety of strategies to attempt to keep kids engaged. Some work better than others.
- What percent of the day do students use the iPad?
We use iPads for every piece of instruction. Again some use it more effectively than others. In most classrooms when you walk in at any time the iPad is in use.- What type of training did staff have for the iPad?
When we began using them we did basic trainings of anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. The training was based on the questions staff had. From those training we understood what training should look like. We shared that with the district and now they do the training. Our goal is to have each teacher responsible for everything about their iPads.- Did teachers have this training ahead of time or was it learning along with the students?
Adults learning a little ahead and sometimes a little behind the students. Outside of some basic management issues, it is all about matching the right apps at the right time.- What have been the positives and negatives of adding the iPad into the elementary classroom?
The negative is we need more. The positive is student engagement.- Does each student have an iPad to use or do students share them?
We share and the sharing is one of the big strengths. Students learn from each other. I do not foresee Crestview ever being 1 on 1.- What is your school policy on taking them home? Are parents/students responsible for replacement costs if broken by means other than normal wear?
We have not yet addressed this.- What other types of technology are available to students in a typical classroom other than the iPad?
Computers , lap tops, most everything.- Have you noticed an increase in student involvement in the classroom?
We have not isolated iPads as to how they impact achievement.- How has the technology impacted your student achievement?
Again, we have isolated this variable.